Sportful custom clothing in Australia - first look

Custom clothing as used by Tinkoff-Saxo

Colin Levitch / Immediate Media

Published: September 4, 2014 at 12:30 am

Sportful custom clothing has been seen on the shoulders of Alberto Contador and his Tinkoff-Saxo teammates in the WorldTour peloton, as well as numerous riders in the world championships, Olympics and grand tours. Now the company has sent us its WorldTour-level kit to try, and we've found that it really is a premium custom-clothing option.

The Italian clothing company has been operating since 1972 and started distributing in Australia in early 2012. Internationally Sportful does sell ‘off the shelf’ items, but Sportful Australia’s focus is on custom clothing, with Bodyfit and team wear lines to choose from.

Sportful Australia sent us the Bodyfit range, the brand’s best quality kit and one that’s been developed with time in the wind tunnel for its pro riders.

Bodyfit Pro Team jersey

This anatomic jersey hugs your torso but it isn’t so close-fitting that you can’t enjoy an all-day ride in it. Made for racing, the jersey features DryPro fabric to wick away sweat and keep you cool, and ensure it stays tight in all the right places.

The jersey features a no-nonsense zip and the standard three-rear pockets, although a zippered pocket would be a nice addition outside of racing.

Bodyfit Pro bibshort

These are the same bibs worn by Tinkoff Saxo riders (apart from the graphics) and they are squarely designed for racing. Their anatomic fit means you may need to order a size up from what you normally wear, but as with any custom clothing, it's worth asking for a sizing kit prior to ordering.

Made from what Sportful calls ‘Aero Flow Compress’ material, these bibs are both comfortable and designed to cut through the wind.

A look at the chamois in the bodyfit bibs: - Colin Levitch / Immediate Media

A well padded chamois isn't forgotten

While there is an emphasis on racing, a comfortable chamois hasn’t been forgotten in the design of these bibs. The chamois is proving to be to our liking in our early testing. There's also a race radio pocket as standard.

Bodyfit Pro Winter jacket

The fit and construction of the bodyfit pro windstopper jacket fit is the same that is used by tinkoff saxo: the fit and construction of the bodyfit pro windstopper jacket fit is the same that is used by tinkoff saxo - Colin Levitch / Immediate Media

External pockets and WindStopper material makes the BodyFit Pro jacket a comfortable choice for winter rides

If you’re after a warm winter jacket that blocks the wind, the BodyFit jacket will keep you toasty and has the added benefit of being water-resistant. Wearing this jacket over the summer jersey will ensure you stay warm during the common mild Australian winters. However, its size means it won't easily fold down to fit in your pocket.

Windstopper vest

An internal pocket of the vest works as its own carry bag: - Colin Levitch / Immediate Media

This pocket works as a store-away holder

This vest will keep out the cold on rides when it tends to get a bit chilly, while the tight fit means it won’t flap in the wind. Stashable and light, the vest is easily stored in a jersey pocket, meaning that when the weather changes you can be prepared. A small inner pocket that doubles as the carry case is a nice addition.

Sportful BodyFit Pro sock

While not always considered a key part of a cyclist’s wardrobe, a good pair of socks is essential to a comfortable ride. A nice mesh upper to the sock keeps your foot breathing while the length ensures that your ankles are well and truly covered.

Peruse the gallery above for a closer look at a few of the Sportful clothing pieces.

Following final confirmation, production time is up to eight weeks. As this is custom clothing, pricing decreases with larger purchase orders, although keep in mind that this is premium custom clothing.

For more info on the range and for quotes in Australia, email info@sportful.com.au.

If you’re looking to have custom clothing made for your business, club, team or riding group – be sure to check out our custom clothing buyer’s guide.